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Oklahoma Sooners gymnast Maggie Nichols was one of a number of former gymnasts presented with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2018 ESPYS as survivors of Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse, a scandal that transpired over the course of 30 years. Other recipients of the award include four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman.
“To all the survivors out there, don't let anyone rewrite your story. Your truth does matter. You matter. And you are not alone.”
— ESPYS (@ESPYS) July 19, 2018
Tonight, Aly Raisman and her sister survivors brought the #ESPYS audience to their feet. pic.twitter.com/0sVTI0wLUH
Nichols, a two-time individual national champion and two-time First Team All-American, is one of more than 300 individuals who was subject to the abuse from former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar. In 2015, Nichols first reported Nassar’s abusive actions to USAG leadership, but he wasn’t dismissed until late 2016. Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison in January.
Your courage inspires us, @MagsGotSwag12! Thanks to you and all survivors. #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/nNYFhtBSmR
— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) July 19, 2018
During the two years she’s spent winning titles and accolades in Norman, Nichols has made Sooner Nation proud with her gifts in the gym, but also the courage that she and her fellow survivors have displayed, which has been nothing short of incredible and inspirational.
A picture of courage.
— ESPN (@espn) July 19, 2018
These 141 women on stage tonight are representatives for all the survivors who spoke out about the abuses they endured by their team doctor. pic.twitter.com/HT4hsaZNuk
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage was established in 1993 as a tribute for late tennis star and civil rights activist Arthur Ashe.